Experience a burst of Mediterranean flair with grilled marinated chicken. Succulent, lightly seasoned meat pairs beautifully with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce crafted from Greek yogurt, cucumber and dill. Nestled in a warm pita alongside crisp tomato, cucumber and red onion, each bite bursts with vibrant, irresistible flavor.
I recently made this easy Chicken Gyros recipe and it totally impressed me. I use 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts that I marinate in 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano along with salt and pepper.
It makes a very lean and protein rich meal perfect for a healthy dinner. After grilling the chicken, I slice it and layer it on a warm pita with thinly sliced tomato, cucumber and red onion.
The tzatziki sauce is made by mixing 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, grated 1/2 medium cucumber (extra liquid squeezed out), 1 small minced garlic clove, 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp fresh dill with extra salt and pepper. I really enjoy this recipe because its nutritious and gives you a true taste of summer.
Its like a gyro recipe done right for healthy chicken pita recipes. Enjoy!
Why I Like this Recipe
I love this Chicken Gyros recipe for so many reasons. First, the marinated chicken comes out super tender and flavorful every time, and i just love that blend of lemon and garlic that really makes it pop. Second, the tzatziki sauce is like a homemade hug – it’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly complements the charred chicken. Third, i dig how quick and easy it is to put together. Even if im in a rush, i know i can whip this up and still impress everyone around the table. Lastly, the fresh veggies and warm pita give it that real, comforting feel that makes it a go-to for dinner when i need something tasty yet light.
Ingredients
- Chicken offers lean protein and helps muscle growth.
It helps make the dish hearty.
- Greek yogurt provides creamy tanginess, good protein and calcium.
It boosts flavor and texture.
- Olive oil and lemon juice supply healthy fats and a zesty kick.
They blend flavors.
- Tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions bring crunch, fiber and freshness to every bite.
- Garlic adds a pungent kick and antioxidant benefits.
It elevates the dish.
- For tzatziki, grated cucumber adds creaminess and a cool taste.
It lightens the spice.
- Fresh dill and oregano impart earthiness and an herbaceous boost.
They make the dish aromatic.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you like)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (for the tzatziki)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (for the tzatziki)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1/2 tsp dried dill)
- Extra salt and pepper to taste (for the tzatziki)
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/2 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 pita breads, warmed
How to Make this
1. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt and pepper, then add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2. While the chicken is marinating, make the tzatziki sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure you squeeze out the extra liquid), minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to mix it all well.
3. Preheat your grill or a skillet on medium-high heat.
4. Once preheated, cook the chicken until it’s nicely charred on both sides and fully cooked through. It should take about 6-8 minutes per side depending on the thickness.
5. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes then slice it thinly.
6. Meanwhile, warm up your pitas either in a pan or in the oven for a minute or two until they’re soft.
7. Slice the tomato, cucumber, and red onion thinly.
8. Lay out a warm pita and add a good helping of sliced chicken down the middle.
9. Top the chicken with the sliced tomato, cucumber and red onion, then drizzle generous amounts of the tzatziki sauce all over.
10. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Gyros right away while its all warm and fresh!
Equipment Needed
1. Large mixing bowl for combining the marinade ingredients
2. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate amounts of oil, lemon juice, and spices
3. Whisk or fork for stirring the marinade and tzatziki sauce
4. A medium bowl dedicated to mixing the tzatziki
5. A box grater to grate the cucumber for the sauce
6. Knife and cutting board for slicing the chicken, tomato, cucumber, and red onion
7. Grill or skillet to cook the chicken until it’s charred and done
8. Tongs or a spatula for flipping the chicken on the grill or skillet
9. A small pan or oven-safe dish to warm up the pitas
10. A serving plate for resting the chicken before slicing and serving
FAQ
Chicken Gyros Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- You can swap out the chicken for turkey or even thinly sliced pork if you prefer a different meat option.
- If you dont have olive oil, try using avocado oil or good quality vegetable oil instead.
- For the Greek yogurt, sour cream or labneh can work just as well in the tzatziki.
- Lime juice can substitute for lemon juice in both the marinade and the tzatziki if you like a little twist.
- If you cant find pita, any flatbread like lavash or naan will do the trick.
Pro Tips
1. Try marinating the chicken for a bit longer if you have time. Letting it soak up those flavors really makes a difference and brings out a tastier, juicier chicken.
2. When grilling, don’t rush it. Make sure the pan or grill is really nice and hot before you put the chicken on, so you get that awesome char without drying it out.
3. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. That way, all the juices can settle in and your slices will be extra tender.
4. Chill your tzatziki in the fridge for a while if you can. It not only thickens up yummy but helps blend the flavors better, giving you that perfect balance in every bite.
Chicken Gyros Recipe
Experience a burst of Mediterranean flair with grilled marinated chicken. Succulent, lightly seasoned meat pairs beautifully with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce crafted from Greek yogurt, cucumber and dill. Nestled in a warm pita alongside crisp tomato, cucumber and red onion, each bite bursts with vibrant, irresistible flavor.
4
servings
430
kcal
Equipment: 1. Large mixing bowl for combining the marinade ingredients
2. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate amounts of oil, lemon juice, and spices
3. Whisk or fork for stirring the marinade and tzatziki sauce
4. A medium bowl dedicated to mixing the tzatziki
5. A box grater to grate the cucumber for the sauce
6. Knife and cutting board for slicing the chicken, tomato, cucumber, and red onion
7. Grill or skillet to cook the chicken until it’s charred and done
8. Tongs or a spatula for flipping the chicken on the grill or skillet
9. A small pan or oven-safe dish to warm up the pitas
10. A serving plate for resting the chicken before slicing and serving
Ingredients
-
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you like)
-
1/4 cup olive oil
-
1/4 cup lemon juice
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
-
1/2 medium cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid
-
1 small garlic clove, minced (for the tzatziki)
-
1 tsp lemon juice (for the tzatziki)
-
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1/2 tsp dried dill)
-
Extra salt and pepper to taste (for the tzatziki)
-
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
-
1/2 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
-
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
-
4 pita breads, warmed
Directions
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt and pepper, then add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- While the chicken is marinating, make the tzatziki sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure you squeeze out the extra liquid), minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to mix it all well.
- Preheat your grill or a skillet on medium-high heat.
- Once preheated, cook the chicken until it’s nicely charred on both sides and fully cooked through. It should take about 6-8 minutes per side depending on the thickness.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes then slice it thinly.
- Meanwhile, warm up your pitas either in a pan or in the oven for a minute or two until they’re soft.
- Slice the tomato, cucumber, and red onion thinly.
- Lay out a warm pita and add a good helping of sliced chicken down the middle.
- Top the chicken with the sliced tomato, cucumber and red onion, then drizzle generous amounts of the tzatziki sauce all over.
- Enjoy your delicious Chicken Gyros right away while its all warm and fresh!
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 300g
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 430kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 2g
- Monounsaturated: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Vitamin A: 300IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 2mg
